by Lorine Parks
We’re a ‘traditional” club”– “that means, we sing songs,” President Alex explained. But we have a surprisingly youthful contingent. How many other clubs can boast not only a Young Professional as President, but also two pregnant members, one of whom is the expectant President-Elect.
How to reach more of them and get them to join Rotary?
One of the barriers for Young Professionals, who are defined as being in their 20’s and 30’s, is cost of dues. So some clubs are offering, for those joining Rotary, part-time memberships at part-time prices, to attract these “21 plus-ers.”
Denise Fukuji, a Young Professional herself with the Rotary Club of Westchester, told us how her club goes about recruiting these young people, who will be the leaders of their communities and their clubs tomorrow.
Scheduling of meetings can be a challenge when a YP wants to join a Rotary club. The Westchester Club meets at noon every Wednesday at the Crown Plaza LAX Hotel. But their YP “Assistant Member” category meets only once a month, and on Wednesday evenings, in different venues. Once each quarter, the two factions meet jointly, at a surprise place and program of the YP’s choosing. Again, the get-together is in the evening, which allows the YP’s to put their daytime energies into growing their professions.
For social club events, they try to schedule them at kid-friendly places, such as the beach or a park, with supervised children’s activities offered. This appeals to the YP’s and their growing families.
Young Professional are valued not only because they are the leaders of tomorrow, but even today. Millenials have a distinctly new point of view to contribute to the mix of the club’s efforts. A Bruno Mars concert, the Coachella Weekend, a trip to Vegas: these are the experiences that have value for Young Professionals. And millenials value experiences over material things. They’ll gladly contribute if they believe the experience is life-enhancing. So clubs, try to involve the YP’s in the mix.
A feature that a Rotary club with older members can offer to Young Professionals is Mentoring. YP’s love the idea of breaking bread with the older generations. As the saying has it, “not a sage on the stage, but a guide by your side.”
But it has sometimes been difficult for this younger group to modify their needs to the structured Rotary clubs.
The Young Professionals of Reno County have found that another way of countering resistance to paying full dues is to offer a lower set of fees, as long as there is the commitment to join, within a specified time, of so many years. The YP will still be able to sit on the Board, serve on . Social events will be paid “a la carte.”
“Getting started to attract Young Professionals is easy,” says Denise. Make a list of professional categories, cross off what you have, and assign members to find people to fill the rest. Think outside the box when it comes to kinds of businesses. Check the Chamber of Commerce list for new members.